Depression Not a Normal Part of Aging

Depression is not a natural part of growing old. It's a health condition that should be treated aggressively.

Depression in older adults, or in anyone, is a serious illness. Some groups are at higher risk. But the average older adult is not depressed any more than a young person. Depression affects about 7 million out of the 39 million U.S. adults older than age 65. Certain things may add to older adults' risk for depression. These include losing control over changes linked to aging. And losing people they love.

Missed diagnosis

Depression in older adults is often not diagnosed. That's because of stereotypes that family, caregivers, and even healthcare providers have that older adults are depressed in general. Older adults may hide their depression by complaining about a physical problem. This makes it harder to diagnose.

Common signs of depression include:

Sleep problems, including too little or too much sleep, or getting up earlier than desired

Less pleasure and interest in previously enjoyed activities

Less energy or focus

Increase or decrease in appetite

Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

Thoughts of death or suicide

Self-destructive and suicidal behavior

Older adults are more likely to die by suicide. Of every 100,000 people age 75 and older, 16.3 died by suicide. This figure is higher than the national average of 11.3 suicides per 100,000 people. Non-Hispanic white men older than 85 have the highest suicide rates, 55 per 100,000 people. Many of these men visited their healthcare provider in the last month.

Depression often happens at the same time as another serious illness. This can include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

Lingering symptoms

Healthcare providers look for depression symptoms that go on for weeks at a time. If you have symptoms, your provider will also do a physical exam. He or she will rule out other causes for the symptoms. These can include certain medicines or health conditions. A person who is physically ill and not getting better often has an underlying depression. Medicine, psychotherapy, or a combination of both can be effective in treating depression. Mild cases of depression may be eased by psychotherapy alone. People with moderate to severe depression often need antidepressant medicine. To protect older adults against another bout of depression, it's advised to follow-up for 6 months to a year after the person is free of symptoms.

You can help prevent depression by staying active and being connected to other people through family, community activities, senior groups, or a religious affiliation.

If you see signs of depression in yourself, a friend, or a family member, don't wait until it becomes severe. Talk with your healthcare provider about your own symptoms. Or talk to the person with depression. Encourage him or her to speak with a healthcare provider. And to get treatment from a mental health provider.